Salary Guide 2026

Data Scientist Salary in Raleigh

Average salary range: $98,475 - $164,125 per year

Keywords without context look spammy. Pair each skill with a project, date, and result. Data Scientist pay in Raleigh typically lands around $131,300 (roughly $98,475–$164,125). Raleigh cost-of-living index is about 102 vs a US 100 baseline. Research Triangle housing is up but still below Bay Area. Local demand clusters around tech and life-sciences. Employers such as IBM and SAS set a lot of the comps. Hybrid is the default for many tech roles. This 2026 guide breaks compensation by level, what actually moves offers, and how to negotiate without guessing.

Salary Breakdown

25th Percentile

$115K

Median

$131K

75th Percentile

$148K

Top Earners

$164K+

$98K$131K (median)$164K

Factors That Affect Data Scientist Salary in Raleigh

Experience Level

Entry-level: -20%, Mid-level: baseline, Senior: +30-50%, Lead/Manager: +50-80%

Company Size & Type

Big Tech & Finance typically pay 20-40% above market. Startups may offer equity compensation.

Cost of Living

Raleigh COL index is about 102 (US 100). Research Triangle housing is up but still below Bay Area. Local demand clusters around tech and life-sciences (IBM, SAS).

Skills That Increase Data Scientist Salary

Python

SQL

Machine Learning

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

Scikit-learn

Statistics

Deep Learning

How to Negotiate Your Data Scientist Salary in Raleigh

Anchor with Raleigh comps, not a national average that ignores COL index 102
Know your worth based on skills such as Python, R, SQL
Let the employer make the first offer when possible
Negotiate total compensation, not just base salary
Be prepared to walk away if the offer doesn't meet your minimum
Get any verbal offers in writing before accepting
Consider timing. Negotiate after receiving the offer but before accepting
Practice your negotiation pitch beforehand

Data Scientist Job Market Outlook in Raleigh

Demand for Data Scientists in Raleigh into 2026 tracks tech and life-sciences. Hybrid is the default for many tech roles.

The career trajectory for Data Scientists in Raleigh still supports 5–10% annual movement early on, with larger jumps into senior or lead seats, especially in tech.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Data Scientist salary in Raleigh?

The average Data Scientist salary in Raleigh is approximately $131,300 per year. Salaries range from $98,475 for entry-level positions to $164,125+ for senior roles with specialized skills.

Is Raleigh a good city for Data Scientist jobs?

Raleigh offers competitive salaries for Data Scientist positions. Consider the cost of living, job market size, industry presence, and quality of life when evaluating opportunities in Raleigh.

How does Data Scientist salary in Raleigh compare to other cities?

Data Scientist salaries in Raleigh are among the highest compared to national averages. Major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.

What factors affect Data Scientist salary in Raleigh?

Key factors include: years of experience, specialized skills and certifications, company size and industry, education level, negotiation skills, and current market demand. Remote work has also impacted salary expectations in many markets. In Raleigh, also weigh COL index 102 and tech demand.

How can I negotiate a higher Data Scientist salary in Raleigh?

Research market rates using multiple sources, quantify your achievements, highlight specialized skills, consider total compensation (equity, benefits, bonuses), be prepared to walk away, and practice your negotiation pitch. Timing matters - negotiate after receiving the offer but before accepting. In Raleigh, also weigh COL index 102 and tech demand.

What is the entry-level Data Scientist salary in Raleigh?

Entry-level Data Scientist positions in Raleigh typically start around $83,703.75 to $98,475 per year. This can vary based on education, internship experience, and the hiring company.

What is the senior Data Scientist salary in Raleigh?

Senior Data Scientist professionals in Raleigh can earn $147,712.5 to $164,125+ per year. Lead and principal-level roles may exceed these figures, especially at top companies.

Do Data Scientists get bonuses in Raleigh?

Many Data Scientist positions in Raleigh include bonuses as part of compensation. Typical bonus structures include annual performance bonuses (10-20% of salary), signing bonuses, and profit-sharing. Tech companies may also offer equity compensation.